Research Assistant - Marie Curie

Brunel University London; Greater London; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

Brunel University London is seeking a Research Assistant to work on a PhD pathway under the Marie Curie ITN HeatMinds project in Mechanical Engineering. The role centers on turbo‑compressor design and gas flow analysis, using CFD for validation.

Applicants must have a degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related subject and will start on 1 April 2027. The position is fixed‑term for 36 months at Brunel University London, Uxbridge Campus, with a salary of £50,508 per annum (London Allowance) and

Qualifications

• Must hold at least a first degree or a Master-degree in Mechanical Engineering or a relevant subject.
• Part of an MSCA ITN HeatMinds project.

Responsibilities

• Undertake research towards a PhD degree in Mechanical Engineering.
• Develop models for the design and analysis of turbo‑compressors.
• Use CFD tools for validation, focusing on gas flow path with non‑ideal gas behaviour and multi‑stage arrangements.

Skills

Research skills

Education

First degree in Mechanical Engineering

Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

CFD software

Job description

We are seeking to appoint a research assistant who will undertake research towards a PhD degree in Mechanical Engineering. The project objectives are to develop models for the design and analysis of turbo-compressors suitable for industrial high temperature heat pumps (IHTHPs). The focus will be on the gas flow path considering non-ideal gas behaviour and multi-stage arrangements. Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) tools will be used for validation.

Position Title: Research Assistant – Marie Curie, Industrial Heat Pump Compressor Design - Gas Flow Path – 16995

Department/College: Department of Engineering/College of Engineering, Design and Physical Sciences

Location: Brunel University London, Uxbridge Campus

Salary: £50,508 per annum inclusive of London Allowance - without any pension contributions

Hours: Full-time

Contract Type: Fixed-term for 36 months

Brunel University London was established in 1966 and is a leading multidisciplinary research-intensive technology university. For more information please visit https://www.brunel.ac.uk/about/our-history/home

The Department of Engineering delivers programmes in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Electronic and Electrical Engineering, and Civil and Environmental Engineering. It has a wide portfolio of undergraduate and postgraduate taught and research programmes and is active in delivering transnational education. The department has a thriving research culture with substantial research facilities supporting the delivery of world leading impactful research.

Candidates must hold at least a first degree or a Master-degree in Mechanical Engineering or a relevant subject.

This project is part of a Marie Sklodowska Curie Actions (MSCA) ITN aiming to train 15 PhD candidates within the newly funded project: Industrial Decarbonisation Using Innovative Low-Grade Heat Upgrade (HeatMinds). The overall aim of the work programme is to undertake cutting-edge multidisciplinary research and development to make a step change in the understanding of Industrial High Temperature Heat Pump technology. The successful candidate will start on 1 April 2027.

Candidates must not have worked or studied in the UK in the last three years.

Closing date for applications: 30 October 2026

Interviews will take place in the first two weeks of November 2026.

If you have any technical issues please contact us at: [e-mail]

Brunel University London wishes to promote an inclusive and diverse workforce and create a culture that values the contribution of all backgrounds and communities. All employees will be recruited, selected and appointed in line with our equality and diversity policy.